It pays to have friends in high places. For instance, I have known Cindy Hegenauer for over 7 years now. If you don’t know her, you should–especially if you like beer! Cindy is a driving force behind the Detroit Draft Divas and well-known for her immense knowledge (and love) of stouts.

A few weeks ago, Cindy was a VIP guest at the new Null Tap House and took ME as her very special guest! (So it was like a Very Special Episode featuring Teacher Patti who will throw open the door, make a witty comment about how when life gives us lemons, make lemon beer, and then flounce out. Sort of like Wilona on Good Times). Null stands for Northern United Liquid Libations and is brought to you by the nice folks from Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak Brewing, Civilized Spirits, and Old Mission Microdistillery (I hope I got everyone!). This tap house opened in Dexter, and I got to go the very first night!

Because we are awesome, Cindy and I got there first. We walked right in and were greeted by a friendly man with pitchers of beer. Well, alright!

The space is absolutely gorgeous. I think we can all agree that my picture taking skills are lacking, so I hope the beauty shines through:

Note pretty chandelier. When I was a kid, my mom got a chandelier for her and my dad’s room and I promptly asked for one. She said she’d get me one, but she got me a “hanging lamp”. I called her out on it, and she said that “hanging lamps” were just as nice as chandeliers. No, no they really aren’t. That lamp is still in my childhood bedroom, and it is still not a chandelier.

But I digress. There was a lovely buffet spread, free for the takin’:

Here is my second or third plate. I have no shame.

But what about the beer, Patti? Well, there is not only beer but wine, spirits, and cocktails a’poppin. Cindy and I stuck to beer, but you can certainly find anything you like in the beer, wine, or spirits realm. (See what I did there? GENIUS). We had a sampler, and each beer was fantastic. We had four saisons:  Cherry Hibiscus, Dandelion Rhubarb, Not Special K and Saison PDQ. I also threw in one of the North Peak stouts, because I had never had it before. It made for a nice “dessert” beer after the sours.

Because of Cindy’s VIP status, we also got swag bags (like the people who go to the Oscars!). We got t-shirts (I am wearing mine right now, in fact), magnets, stickers and Cindy got this sweet growler:

It was a great night! Even though you can’t be cool VIPs like us, you can still get the full Null experience. The tap house is open and ready to serve you.

Cheers!